The Indianapolis Colts took the field Sunday for the final time in the 2025-26 season in Houston, in what would become a 38-30 loss to the Texans. The result marks the second loss to the Texans and fourth to a division opponent this season, and the seventh in a row for the Colts after beginning the season 8-2.
Houston began the game with many of its starters on the field and a division title still to play for. However, by halftime, it was clear that the Jacksonville Jaguars were well on their way to victory against the Tennessee Titans, and Houston made substitutions in response.
Jacksonville wound up winning 41-7 to secure its status as AFC South champions. Once that result seemed imminent, Houston let its foot off the gas to preserve the health of its roster for the postseason.
Both before and after the Texans pulled many of their starters, Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard impressed. Leonard’s spectacular touchdown pass to Alec Pierce on his third pass of the game was the longest of the season, and indicated that Leonard’s arm was a force to be reckoned with. By the end of the afternoon, Leonard led six scoring drives, three touchdowns and three field goals.
After the game, Leonard discussed the game with reporters.
“Optimistic, but at the end of the day I take full ownership of that loss,” Leonard said. “I didn't play well enough when I needed to.”
Leonard completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Leonard also carried the football three times for 21 yards and a rushing touchdown, and fumbled once. Jonathan Taylor shouldered the majority of the load on the ground with 14 carries for 26 yards, and Alec Pierce caught four passes for an astonishing 132 yards and two touchdowns before he was removed from the game for contacting an official.
Indianapolis had nothing to lose in this game in terms of postseason standing, and took risks all afternoon long with deep passes and tricky playcalls. In the first half, the Colts struck gold on a fake punt that led to a field goal.
Despite the lack of direct postseason implications for Indianapolis, the Colts played an exciting and flashy brand of football. Much of that was related to the fact that Indianapolis running backs were held to under 60 rushing yards, meaning that Leonard’s powerful arm and unpredictable legs were required to be the offense’s primary source of fuel.
On the other hand, Houston’s approach was much more efficient and surgical. The Texans scored on their first four drives, beginning with a pair of field goals and then a pair of touchdowns.
While the Texans were stymied by quality pass defense and penalties on their first two drives, which ultimately ended with field goals, the offense opened the second quarter with a pair of touchdowns that propelled the home team into the lead.
One of those touchdowns was assisted by a Leonard fumble, which landed the Texans at the 2-yard line, where they promptly punched in the score. Two more Colts turnovers set up Texans scores, with a fourth quarter Leonard interception in Colts territory leading to a Houston field goal and a fumble return touchdown on the final play sealing victory for the home team.
By the time the Jaguars seemed to be destined to clinch the division, Houston’s approach to offense shifted. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and a collection of teammates exited the game to preserve their bodies ahead of the postseason. The Texans offense understandably slowed as a result, especially on drives that were not sparked by a turnover.
While in the game, Stroud completed 14 of 23 passes for 168 yards, recording both a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. Davis Mills completed three of his nine pass attempts for 36 yards. British Brooks stepped up and led the way on the ground with 13 carries for 63 yards, and Xavier Hutchinson hauled in five catches for 84 yards.
Although Houston’s offensive production dropped off as the game progressed, the Texans emerged victorious and clinched the fifth seed in the AFC Playoffs through a pair of fourth quarter field goals and turning takeaways into points at every opportunity.
For Indianapolis, this loss concludes a seven-game losing streak and fall from grace, as the Colts became the first team in NFL history to start the season 7-1 or better and finish with a losing record.
After the game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen discussed the loss with reporters.
“I was pleased with the way the guys battled all day,” Steichen said, “but at the end of the day obviously not enough.”
Now entering the offseason, the futures of many players, coaches and front office members that were crucial to the team’s accomplishments and shortcomings this season are up in the air. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones and breakout receiver Pierce, for example, both face expiring contracts and are free agents this offseason. The Colts will have to pay up to keep key contributors such as Jones and Pierce on the roster. Additionally, Philip Rivers, who was inactive in Houston, has likely taken his last snap as a professional football player as he returns to retirement.
Featuring 270 passing yards, three touchdowns and a successful fake punt, the effort put forth by the Colts in their final game was undeniably entertaining. Nonetheless, the season ends with a twinge of disappointment for many fans, after a fabulous start spiraled into a gloomy finish. The NFL Draft and offseason transactions will precede a fresh start for Indianapolis in the 2026-27 season, once slates are erased and a new season brimming with hopes and dreams commences.
